Royal Purple Delivers 70 Care Bags to Prince Albert Shelter

In a heartfelt initiative, the Royal Purple organization delivered 70 care bags to the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women. This act, part of a larger campaign to combat domestic violence, underscores the urgent need for community support in Saskatchewan, where domestic violence rates remain alarmingly high.

Elaine Perkins, president of Shellbrook Royal Purple and a member of the Prince Albert chapter, expressed her deep concern over the impacts of domestic violence during the delivery. “We need to end it,” she stated, visibly emotional as she handed over the bags, which are filled with essential hygiene items such as shampoos, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. These items are crucial for women who arrive at the shelter, often fleeing violent situations with little more than the clothes they are wearing.

Community Support and Impact

The care bags, referred to as “blessing bags” by shelter staff, are assembled through a combination of funds raised by club members and donations from local businesses. Perkins noted that on this day alone, approximately 5,000 bags were distributed across Canada, highlighting the widespread effort to support those affected by violence.

BrendaLee Pellerin, a support services worker at the shelter, emphasized the significance of the donation. “It shows that we care, that other people in the community care about what they’re going through,” she said. The bags are not only given to women residing at the shelter but are also shared with homeless individuals who seek assistance. Pellerin explained that many women arriving at the shelter often have no identification or personal belongings, making these care packages vital for their immediate needs.

The initiative coincides with Purple Thursday, observed on the third Thursday of October, a day dedicated to raising awareness about interpersonal violence and its often-overlooked consequences, including brain injuries. National statistics reveal that one in three women and one in five men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, with around 80 percent of victims suffering concussions as a result. Alarmingly, every six days in Canada, a woman is killed by an intimate partner.

Growing Need for Shelter Services

Pellerin reflected on the increase in domestic violence incidents during the pandemic, attributing the rise to individuals being confined at home with their abusers. While there has been a slight decline since those peak times, the need for shelters remains critical, especially for mothers with children. “It’s more difficult when you have children with you to find a safe place,” she noted, stressing the importance of shelters in providing refuge for vulnerable families.

This year, the Canadian Royal Purple has expanded its outreach with the introduction of Purple Thursday x 7, a week-long series of activities aimed at promoting awareness and support for victims of interpersonal violence. Sandi Lougheed, chair of the Canadian Royal Purple’s Charitable Initiatives Committee, explained, “Our Purple Care Bag campaign and education have been so successful, one day was no longer enough.” The week includes a media day, educational events, and community activities designed to engage the public and raise funds for prevention efforts.

As the number of “family beds” available for women and children fleeing domestic violence continues to grow, with nearly 20,000 people utilizing shelters in Canada, the importance of community initiatives like those from Royal Purple becomes increasingly evident. “We are pleased to see the effects of awareness empowering women to break the cycle of violence and seek a new life,” Pellerin concluded, underscoring the vital role such support plays in fostering safety and hope for those affected by domestic violence.